Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has said he hopes Jurgen Klopp chooses to start 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic in the Carabao Cup against Derby County this evening.
That’s what the Dutchman claimed during his pre-match press conference, shared on the Reds’ YouTube channel, ahead of tonight’s game.
Speaking about the youngster, Lijnders praised Bajcetic’s versatility, hailing his ability to play as a centre-back or in midfield.
“The process takes time and I cannot say if he starts or not, but hopefully we will see him tomorrow,” he said.
“Is he a centre-back or a midfielder? I see him as a midfielder, absolutely.
“Honestly, sometimes the Academy gives you a present and he is one of them.”
Lijnders hopes Bajcetic starts against Derby
The Spaniard has really burst onto the scene this season, having made three Champions League appearances for Klopp’s side.
Having established himself as a mainstay in the U21’s midfield, Bajcetic has really impressed the coaching staff at Kirkby in recent months.
Although he has come off the bench just once in the Premier League this term, the 18-year-old is set to play an important part in Liverpool’s EFL Cup run this year.
Due to Klopp’s reluctance to field too many first XI players in domestic cup competitions, the former Celta Vigo youth gem is a likely candidate to start in the manager’s midfield.
This could be a huge opportunity for the youngster; if the side make it through the first couple of rounds, the Liverpool management is unlikely to drop the players who got the team there. This would allow the midfielder to string together a run of competitive games in the first-team, really introducing him to the physicality of men’s football.
Therefore, as Lijnders says, hopefully he features from the off against Derby tonight.
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